Working environment factors
How do Chlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) affect workers’ health?
Nov
Polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) are a group of hazardous chemicals used in various industries. So, how do Polychlorinated terphenyls affect the health of workers? Let’s explore the dangerous impacts and necessary protective measures for workers in this environment.
1. What are Polychlorinated terphenyls?
Polychlorinated terphenyls, also known as PCTs, are a group of organic compounds containing three benzene rings, in which chlorine atoms replace hydrogen atoms in the benzene ring structure. Their chemical formula is C18H14-nCln (where n=1-14), meaning this chemical group can have from 1 to 14 chlorine atoms substituted in the molecular structure. This chlorine substitution on the benzene rings makes PCTs highly stable compounds that are difficult to break down in the environment.
PCTs are commonly used in industries such as electronics manufacturing, lubricating oils, and as insulating fluids.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Terphenyls clo hóa | Polychlorinated terphenyls | 38248200 or 27109100 | 61788-33-8 | C18H14-nCln (n=1-14) |
See more: Chemical safety training services according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
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2. Where do Polychlorinated terphenyls originate from in the production process?
During the production process, Polychlorinated terphenyls can arise from various sources, mainly related to the use of these chemicals in industrial applications. They are widely used in electronic products, insulating materials, lubricants, and cooling systems, where PCTs help improve the stability and performance of equipment. However, during the manufacturing and handling of these products, the use of PCTs can lead to leaks or the release of these compounds into the air, soil, and water.
Additionally, the process of recycling or disposing of electronic devices and materials containing PCTs can also be a source of these substances. When these products are improperly burned or destroyed, polychlorinated terphenyls may not be completely broken down, creating hazardous waste.
3. Industries that use Polychlorinated terphenyls in production
These compounds are used in many industries, especially in the fields of electronics and electrical equipment manufacturing. In the electronics industry, they are often used as insulating materials in devices such as transformers, capacitors, and other electronic components. Their durability and excellent insulating properties help protect equipment from the effects of high temperatures and voltage, thereby extending the lifespan of these products.
In addition, Polychlorinated terphenyls are also used in the lubricating oil and grease manufacturing industry, helping to enhance the performance and longevity of industrial machinery and equipment. These compounds are also present in cooling systems and machinery operating at high temperatures, thanks to their stable nature and resistance to decomposition in harsh environments.
Furthermore, some other industries such as the manufacturing of cleaning agents, chemicals, and plastics processing also use PCTs in their production processes.
4. How do Polychlorinated terphenyls affect workers?
Exposure to Polychlorinated terphenyls in the workplace can cause many adverse health effects for workers. Due to their stable chemical nature and ability to accumulate in the body, these compounds can be toxic if not properly controlled during production. Workers in industries using PCTs can be exposed through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion if protective measures are inadequate.
Once in the body, PCTs can accumulate in fatty tissues, causing problems with the nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Studies have shown that people who work with these compounds for long periods may experience symptoms of poisoning, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. In addition, these compounds can also adversely affect the respiratory system, causing pneumonia, pharyngitis, and other respiratory diseases if exposed to gas or dust containing PCTs.
In the long term, PCTs are also believed to be linked to cancers, especially liver and skin cancer, due to their ability to cause DNA damage.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Polychlorinated terphenyls for human exposure
Determining the permissible safe concentration of Polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) for human exposure depends on the occupational health and safety standards established by international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Although PCTs are toxic compounds, there is currently no globally recognized absolute concentration threshold that allows for long-term exposure without health effects. However, these organizations have issued limits on the concentration of PCTs in the work environment to protect workers.
Regulations often apply a limit concentration index in the workplace air, usually calculated in micrograms of PCTs per cubic meter of air (µg/m³). These indices are established based on studies of the long-term effects of PCTs on human health, including impacts on the nervous system, liver, kidneys, and cancer risk. However, the permissible safe concentration of PCTs also depends on many other factors such as exposure duration, personal protective measures, and the ventilation of the work environment.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Chlorinated terphenyls. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Polychlorinated terphenyls on workers’ health
To minimize the health effects of Polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) on workers, strict prevention and control measures are essential. Firstly, improving the ventilation system in work areas where PCTs are used plays a crucial role in limiting the accumulation of these compounds in the air. An effective ventilation system helps reduce the concentration of PCTs, thereby reducing the risk of workers being directly exposed to these toxic compounds.
In addition, the use of personal protective equipment is an indispensable measure. Workers should wear dust masks, gloves, and protective clothing to minimize exposure to PCTs through inhalation and skin contact. This protective gear helps create a safety barrier, protecting workers from inhaling toxic dust or gas during their work. Especially when working in high-risk environments, being fully equipped with personal protective equipment is very important.
Along with that, training and raising awareness for workers about the risks of exposure to PCTs is a key factor in protecting their health. Workers need to clearly understand preventive measures and how to use protective equipment effectively. Furthermore, monitoring the concentration of PCTs in the air and conducting regular health check-ups for workers are also necessary measures to detect early signs of poisoning or diseases related to PCTs.
Finally, complying with occupational safety regulations and minimizing the use of PCTs in industrial applications are effective ways to reduce the risk of affecting workers’ health. Companies and factories need to apply strict quality control measures and ensure a consistently safe working environment for their employees.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Periodically organize workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICES
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and committing to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, engineering, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide our customers with the best and most suitable options possible.
- With a team of experienced and specialized Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. You will also get the best deals on costs.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a high-quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
